There are a lot of things to know about jewelry, whether you are giving it as gift, receiving a gift yourself, or caring for a piece passed down to you. Beginning to seek out information about jewelry can be difficult. This article will give you a few pointers that will help you become a knowledgeable jewelry connoisseur.
Watch how you store your jewelry when it isn’t being worn. A better idea is to keep the pieces separate by using boxes, hooks, compartments or holders. Don’t just toss your jewelry in a pile. This can damage fragile jewelry, and make it difficult to find the necklace you want because it’s tangled with other pieces.
Precious Metals
Some precious metals and gems need to be kept away from moisture and humidity. For maximum protection you can choose to store them inside of a small drawstring or a closed jewelry box. Continued exposure to humidity extremes or air causes metals typically used in jewelry to tarnish. You can restore the precious metals back to their former glory, but plated jewelry is different. Trying to polish those pieces can reveal the non-precious metals underneath, such as copper.
When you are purchasing a new piece of jewelry, be aware of the gemstone that it contains and what it is made of. A stone may be natural, synthetic or imitation. Imitation gems are basically plastic that is colored, while synthetic and natural are real. Natural stones are mined, and synthetic stones are created in a laboratory.
Your diamond shopping experience is missing something important if you are not comparison shopping. Look at what you like close up, and compare them to other pieces you have seen. Some diamond sellers use misleading practices to try to increase the apparent quality of their merchandise, so you should be wary of these tactics.
When buying a new piece of jewelry, be sure to check on the current fashion trends. It is one thing to get a gorgeous bauble, but it is another to get it on sale!
Ask about a jeweler’s insurance policy before buying anything. If you can get insurance, you know that you will be covered if something happens to your jewelry. There are even some jewelers that will cover the replacement if the piece has been lost or stolen.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry has different, specific care requirements. A lot of the stones in costume jewelery are glued in and not set in. Keep your costume jewelery away from water or chemicals. For best results, use a warmed, damp cloth to wipe your jewelry and then use another cloth to dry it. This will make your current costume jewelry look great.
Jewelry is particularly amazing when it comes to the breadth of information about it. If you research jewelry items carefully, you can be certain that the pieces you purchase are high-quality. You will find that the jewelry experience is both rewarding and fulfilling, so get involved! These tips should be a useful first step on your journey.